Parliamentary Decorum

[Mowich]

I know I will be labelled Yankee-lover and other derogatory terms, but having watched procedures in the American Senate and House as opposed to the Canadian Parliament, I could not help but come to the inevitable conclusion that the Americans are gentlemen/women who can and do live by rules and conventions of public decency, while our "representatives" are boorish thugs, who never had a mother to tell them to behave.

I believe that you are simply making a very apt observation, YJ. The same might be said of the British Parliament and I wouldn't call you a Brit-lover for doings so. :smile:

 

[Mowich]

I figure there are only 3 reasons why the MPs behave this way.
1. They don't know any better.
2. They don't give a sh!t about "decorum & manners."
3. Both of the above.

In any case, perhaps they - the ones who make our laws - should be subject to a series of "time outs, with meaning" when they misbehave. The list of offences and punishments could look something like this: (preliminary only; subject to additions)

1. Raising one's voice above a specified decibel level - 3 days in an anger management workshop.

2. Raising one's hands/arms to make a point - 5 days doing street clean-up in Ottawa during summer, shoveling snow for senior citizens in winter.

3. Uttering a veiled threat to a fellow MP - 7 consecutive days cleaning toilets and washing bed pans in a hospital.

4. Showing any form of sarcasm or disrespect for any fellow MP - 5 days (any season) in a newly-erected "Dunk the MP" booth set up on the grounds of the House of Commons. This would also be a good tourist attraction and a new source of revenue for the government. Suggested fee: $3.00 per throw, plus GST & HST. Or, 5 throws for $12.00.

5. Shouting, talking, interjecting, or otherwise interfering when someone else is talking - a public spanking of no less than 5 minutes duration, same location as the "Dunk the MP" booth. Separate admission fee ($2.00 plus GST & HST) required. Children 12 and under - free.

This resolution would of course require a public referendum as it would not make it through the House in the normal fashion. But, if passed it would likely quiet things down in a hurry.

Sound silly? Well, no sillier than the bullsh!t that is performed for the CPAC cameras on a daily basis now by our federal law-makers.

Considering that the MP's salaries have been frozen, I think a monetary payment for misbehaviour might be in order. Nothing like getting a person's attention by hitting their pocket book.

How about $15,000 for veiled threats, $10,000 for shouting, $5,000 for finger pointing, and $3,000 for interjecting during another member's speech.

All the money collected from fines would be given to the Canadian Heritage Museum. :smile:

 

[Mowich]

I was grasping for the right word when I picked horrifying, but any negative words will do to describe these clowns at times.

Ah, JLM, you have given me a grand idea. I was thinking along the lines of monetary punishment for bad behaviour but now I have a better idea that incorporates your description of them.

Anyone whose behaviour is outside the bounds of deceny and dignity would be made to wear a clown suit for a week and there would be no missing the days when they had to do so. :smile:

 

[darkbeaver]

As if decorum would afford these corrupt bag men any validity. Just exactly like make up on a giant stinking pig.

 

[Mowich]

As if decorum would afford these corrupt bag men any validity. Just exactly like make up on a giant stinking pig.

Glad to see that you have such a high opinion of our members of parliament, DB. :smile:

 

[JLM]

Ah, JLM, you have given me a grand idea. I was thinking along the lines of monetary punishment for bad behaviour but now I have a better idea that incorporates your description of them.

Anyone whose behaviour is outside the bounds of deceny and dignity would be made to wear a clown suit for a week and there would be no missing the days when they had to do so. :smile:

Which brings to mind an even better idea- to heck with having them dress as clowns at work, make them wear the suit on their days off while chained to a post at the local shopping mall, with a big sign saying they are there for being loud and obnoxious.

 

[AnnaG]

Perhaps these "honorable" members are all related to this person

Naomi Campbell.

 

[JLM]

Glad to see that you have such a high opinion of our members of parliament, DB. :smile:

That is quite a common phenomenum, Mowich, when a person has a low opinion of everybody it's generally the case that everyone has a low opinion of him.

 

[countryboy]

Ah, JLM, you have given me a grand idea. I was thinking along the lines of monetary punishment for bad behaviour but now I have a better idea that incorporates your description of them.

Anyone whose behaviour is outside the bounds of deceny and dignity would be made to wear a clown suit for a week and there would be no missing the days when they had to do so. :smile:

The bottom half of the suit is already designed - they just have to get in touch with the Norwegian curling team. :lol: